Welcome to my plein air journal. This is where you can keep abreast of my many plein air adventures. Here is where you’ll see all things paintable from elegant weddings in Charleston to the Blues Festival in Fargo.

Mar 21, 2011

A close calamity

Tulip tree, 6x6" oil on panel

Right down the street from Friday’s fabulous paint-out was a lovely tulip tree. We didn't have this tree in Minnesota. Long before the tree has leaves, it bears a large flower that closely resembles a purplish pink tulip. I remember my first experience painting a tree like this. The tree was large enough that I could sit under it as I painted. The petals fell down all around me as I painted, some of them into my palette.

I was well into the painting on Friday when I was approached by a worker on the street.“We’re going to be coming through, so I hope it won’t disturb you,” he reported.

When I looked down the street and saw what was headed my way, all I could say was, “Oh, stop it.” The bearer of bad news gave me a strange look.

When you check out the photo below, you’ll see why my painting and all my gear had to take temporary shelter in my vehicle. Wet oil paint acts like a magnet to even the smallest amount of dust.

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About Me

After growing up all over the globe, our family took root in North Carolina. Every place before this was never more than three and a half years. I began coloring in England, I began pastels in California, in the Philippines, my dad enrolled me in private oil painting lessons. In North Carolina, I picked up a pencil and never put it down. This led to a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MFA from Syracuse University, a 30+ year career in Minneapolis as an art director and graphic designer. Then it stopped. My mom in North Carolina got sick, and I got Carolina on my mind. In 2003 I moved in with her. God rest her soul, she made me crazy, so I started to paint. Now I have a career as a fine artist. It’s up to friends, patrons, and people like you to keep it that way. Be happy. Buy art made in the USA, preferably from me.